Old Fashioned Pork Chops

The passing of a family member is a hard thing to deal with. No matter the situation, you are left in this weird in between of understanding and denial.

Just a short time ago, this person was here. I just spoke with them. I remember the last words they said to me. Are they really gone? Can I really not speak to or see them again?

Last year, when my grandma passed, I experienced a close family member’s passing for the first time. She had been suffering for years, and while I was glad she was no longer in pain, I was heartbroken. The first day was hard, but the days after were even more difficult.

It is amazing how many things you do or think about throughout the day that remind you of a person. I also didn’t realize how many things in my day to day life I had learned from my grandma–how to make a bed a certain way, how to eat sour plums when you feel sick, how to prepare rice, etc. I found myself thinking of her and the memory of her teaching me each specific thing and missing her deeply.

It didn’t get easier for a long time.

I still think of her often and wish I could just talk to her or have her run her hands through my hair like she did when I was young.

 

This year, on the 5th of July, my grandpa passed. Today would have been his 77th birthday.

He had been in the hospital and for a few days, and on the 4th, he was reported to be doing much better and things looked great. Then I received a call from my mom this morning.

I had spent a lot of time at my grandparent’s during my childhood. My memories are filled of so many wonderful moments with both of them.

My grandpa would put me on his shoulders and bounce around the house singing “oh my darling,” come up with fun stories that I would ask for over and over again, draw pictures with me, and surrender his dishes and silverware for me to make mud pies outside in the yard (I didn’t realize how expensive silverware was until I was much older and feel horrible for losing so many pieces back in the day).

I keep looking back at pictures and thinking, it wasn’t that long ago.

It really is a reminder to enjoy life every minute. Always.

These last couple of months have been difficult, and like with my grandma’s passing, memories spark daily. Good memories are meant to be cherished and shared, and I spent a lot of time in the kitchen with my grandpa growing up.

Pork chops were one of my favorite dishes my grandpa would make. I remember the meal well. We’d always have rice and green beans or black eyed peas to go with it.

I have recreated the recipe to be gluten free and it tastes just as delicious. I hope you enjoy it.

Do you have a special recipe you associate with a loved one who has passed?

 

Prep your dry mixture and your meat.

Make sure to really pepper the meat (on both sides) if you like the pepper flavor! I love mine super peppery, so I used a lot.

Cover your seasoned meat with the flour mix.

Add some oil in a pan and fry each side for a few minutes.

They should have a nice golden brown color to them.

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